Hargrove still dealing with legal issues

Calvin Watkins covers the Houston Rockets and the NBA for ESPN.com. He joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers as well as colleges, boxing and high school sports.

IRVING, Texas -- Newly signed defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove missed the 2012 season because of his role in Bountygate.

While Hargrove's status with the NFL is settled, he still has a pending injury lawsuit against the NFL. According to Pro Football Talk, the lawsuit, filed in a New York federal court, says Hargrove suffered "from permanent injuries, including, but not limited to, severe headaches, memory loss, depression, isolation, mental anguish and diminished self-esteem" from playing football.

There were rumblings that Hargrove wouldn't get signed by a NFL team because of the lawsuit.

"Can't comment on that," he said. "It is what it is. I'm here to play ball and I'm going to try and do my best and not let anything outside of that hinder me getting on this field and playing."

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett didn't have a problem signing Hargrove, citing his ability to play all three defensive line spots.

Hargrove didn't work out during the first day of organized team activities Tuesday because the goal is to get him in condition first. But Hargrove is confident he'll make some plays for defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin once he returns to the field.

"I think very highly of him," Hargrove said. "They play a style of defense that I was born into in this National Football League, so I’m excited to be a part of it. He doesn’t want us to think too much, just play fast, and that works best for me."